How to Prepare for the CNA Skills Exam: Requirements and Tips
Once you complete the mandatory class hours at a CNA school, you become eligible to take the certification exam. After the school submits proof of your course completion, you can schedule your exam through Prometric.
The exam costs $125, including both the written and skills sections.
The skills portion consists of 22 topics, and during the exam, you’ll be asked to perform 3 of them. However, grading also includes handwashing and attitude, making it a total of 5 topics evaluated.
CNA Training Schools in the U.S.
22 CNA Skills
- Hand Hygiene (Hand Washing)
- Applying One Knee-High Elastic Stocking
- Assisting to Ambulate Using Transfer Belt
- Assisting with Use of Bedpan
- Cleaning Upper or Lower Dentures
- Consulting and Recording Radial Pulse
- Counting and Recording Respirations
- Donning and Removing PPE
- Dressing Someone with a Weak Right Arm
- Feeding Someone Who Cannot Self-Feed
- Giving a Modified Bed Bath
- Measuring and Recording Urinary Output
- Measuring and Recording the Weight of an Ambulatory Client
- Performing Passive Range of Motion for One Knee and One Ankle
- Performing Passive Range of Motion for One Shoulder
- Positioning a Patient on Their Side
- Providing Catheter Care for a Female
- Providing Foot Care for One Foot
- Providing Mouth Care
- Providing Perineal Care for Females
- Transferring From Bed to Wheelchair Using a Transfer Belt
- Measuring and Recording Manual Blood Pressure
Items to Bring to the Skills Exam
- Authorization Letter: Prometric will email you an authorization letter after scheduling your exam.
- Photo ID: A valid, non-expired government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID.
- Additional ID: A second form of ID with your photo, such as a library or student card.
- Flat, non-slip, closed-toe shoes.
- Scrubs (uniform): Recommended but not mandatory.
- Wristwatch with a second hand.
What to Know for the Skills Exam
Upon Arrival at the Test Center
- Present a government-issued photo ID with your signature.
- Empty your pockets and store personal belongings securely.
- Take a tour of the testing room to see the supplies and materials available.
Before the Exam Begins
- You will receive a card listing three skills you must perform, along with instructions for each skill.
- Review the instructions on the skills card before starting.
Rules for the Clinical Skills Exam
- Gather Supplies: You may identify needed items before starting, but do not collect supplies until instructed.
- Language: Speak only in English during the exam.
- Perform Skills: You must physically perform the skills as instructed.
- Order Matters: Complete tasks in the order listed on the card.
- Patient Interaction: Treat mannequins or actors as real patients.
- Ask for Clarifications: If you cannot find an item, ask the evaluator.
- Corrections: Notify the evaluator if you need to correct an error during the skill.
- Measurement Skill: One skill will require measurement and recording. A form will be provided for this task.
- Declare Completion: When finished, state, “I am done.” Review the instructions one last time before declaring completion.
- Side Rails: Use side rails as needed; their use will not be graded.
- Safety Concerns: Severe safety violations may result in termination of that skill.
After Your Test
You may need to act as a patient for another candidate.
- Be cooperative and act as a mobile, responsive patient.
- Speak or move only if requested.
- Providing hints or signals is considered cheating, and violators will be disqualified, with incidents reported to the state.
Other Key Notes
- Recording devices, cell phones, pagers, PDAs, or cameras must be turned off and stored securely.
- The only items you may bring into the testing area are your wallet, ID, keys, and pen/pencil, which will be stored securely.
- The clinical skills test is short, so no breaks are provided.
- Disruptive behavior or rudeness will result in immediate dismissal.
Official Resources
All official information can be found at Texas Nurse Aide | Prometric.
This guide provides essential details to help you prepare for the CNA certification skills test. Good luck!
